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Abstract: Economists argue that if the cost of carbon emissions was bid into markets, consumers would effectively make purchases that would reduce emissions. Life-cycle inventory and assessment studies have identified how to make many environmental improvements such as reducing carbon emissions at every stage of processing. Most importantly, almost every change in building design, product selection alternative or forest management alternative results in changed levels of carbon emissions across many different stages of processing. These studies raise questions about the effectiveness of carbon registries, cap and trade systems or taxes to effectively monetize the reduction of carbon emissions. A three-tier credit system that accounts for carbon sequestration and storage in the forest sector including users of forest products can mimic many of the expected effects of an economy-wide carbon tax. Insight is provided on policies that are more likely to reflect the value of carbon emissions in purchasing and production systems and to avoid counterproductive results. The relationship between carbon emissions and other forest ecosystem services such as habitat is also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the harmful effects of forest fires. Forest fires limit recreational opportunities and destroy visual esthetics in the U.S. When forests burn, irreplaceable habitats for threatened and endangered species may be lost. Because of this, it is suggested that investment in fuel reduction is needed. Habitat protection, air and water quality protection, carbon credits and others, generally considered to be high of value, have been listed as credible public benefits from fuel reduction investments.

Proposes an approach for developing templates for sustainable riparian management on family forest ownerships in Washington state and elsewhere. Combination of economic criteria with a nonparametric statistical assessment of predicted stand structure relative to performance targets.